According to cops, 6,000 people were caught last year using their mobiles while driving, with the biggest culprits aged under 30.

The majority of these drivers will have received a £60 fixed penalty notice and three penalty points on their driving licence. Others who contested the prosecution at court could receive much greater penalties.

“Using a mobile phone while driving affects your ability to concentrate and anticipate the road ahead, putting you and other road users at risk.

“As well as reaction times being slower, those who use their mobile phone while driving often drift out of their own lane into the path of oncoming traffic, have poorer steering control and poorer overall driving performance.

“Drivers must exercise proper control of their vehicle at all times. They must never use a handheld mobile phone when driving.”

ACC Todd also said: “It is far safer not to use any telephone while you are driving. Turn the mobile phone off and concentrate on driving.

“To date this year, seven people have been killed on our roads. When you consider that many, if not the majority of these deaths caused by collisions could have been avoided, it’s an appalling waste of life.

“All we ask is that drivers slow down, do not drive after drinking or taking drugs, wear a seatbelt, drive with greater care and attention and don’t use mobile phones while driving."